Flannery's Reviews

Flannery’s life has been about books since before she could read. While she mainly reads mystery, fantasy, and young adult, Flannery also enjoys some good non-fiction and the occasional novel. The Watsonville native has worked at Bookshop for six years and is our Used Book Manager and mystery section leader. In real life she enjoys fuzzy cats, the wild outdoors, and cupcakes.

Oh, this book. Where should I start? Maybe with the characters—complex and mysterious, frightened and flawed, brave and miraculous. Maybe with the music—a celebration of pirate radio and 1960s songs. Maybe with the light—bright miracles that make you reconsider what you most fear; or with the dark—dangerous miracles that question what you most need. Maybe with the miracles themselves, torn from heart and soul, urging you to embrace the darkness we each hold inside. Certainly with the glorious writing that marks any Maggie Stiefvater novel, and this is the most Stiefvater of them all, with every word steeped in such magic it leaks from the page. Ages 13 and up. - Flannery

If you love the California coast and are dying for a nice coffee-table book celebrating its rugged beauty but can’t decide between photography or paintings, I’m here to make your decision harder. These two books capture our gorgeous coastline—one in beautiful photographs, the other in luminous paintings that span 100 years of the California Art Club. Like me, you may be hard-pressed to choose between the two! - Flannery

If you love the California coast and are dying for a nice coffee-table book celebrating its rugged beauty but can’t decide between photography or paintings, I’m here to make your decision harder. These two books capture our gorgeous coastline—one in beautiful photographs, the other in luminous paintings that span 100 years of the California Art Club. Like me, you may be hard-pressed to choose between the two! - Flannery

Andy Goldsworthy is one of my favorite artists. His pieces, which he makes with natural materials and builds onsite using his own two hands and little else, are intricate feats that defy imagination. He works with a patience and vision that I cannot fathom, and it shows in the placement of every twig, every stone, every leaf. This stunning book showcases his largest projects from around the world. It’ll take your breath away. - Flannery

I’m a lifelong misfit who has never felt inclined to fit in. While I’ve been lucky to find kindred misfit spirits here at Bookshop, I know others may not have yet, so I’m thrilled with this short but powerful TedTalk book that looks at the power and necessity of misfits. If you’re a misfit, you’ll feel seen and inspired. If you’re not, you’ll gain a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the misfits among us! - Flannery

In a northeast Asian–influenced fantasy world, two young women are tethered by destiny. The Tiger’s Daughter is the kind of book you find yourself tumbling into: falling into the immersive world and lore; caring for the fierce, headstrong heroines; losing yourself in the story. The writing sweeps you along with a lilting cadence—my copy is thick with tags marking passages I loved. I was swept away by this creation and can’t wait for the sequel. - Flannery

Attica Locke is a rising star in the mystery world and is a writer/producer for TV’s Empire. In her latest novel, Bluebird, Bluebird, she has penned a rural mystery about a black Texas Ranger forced to return to his East Texas hometown to unravel two murder cases that are causing racial tensions to rise to a boiling point. Locke is a skilled wordsmith, clever plotter, and thoughtful writer. I’m so excited about this book! - Flannery

Hidden deep in the Canadian wilderness, the town of Rockton is cut off from all society, inhabited by those in need of a total reset in life, fleeing all varieties of danger in their past. As Detective Casey Duncan knows, some of those inhabitants never let go of their dark side—and that darkness is what she’s there to root out. I’m hopelessly in love with this smart, chilly series and can’t wait for more. - Flannery

If you love short stories, mysteries, and books, or any combination thereof (or need a gift for someone who likes at least two of the three), look no further than this handsome anthology. This collection of crime stories focusing on books—from bookstores and booksellers (my personal favorite) to rare books and libraries—curated from a wide mix of authors, is perfect for book lovers who like a good crime. - Flannery

If you like your mysteries on the darker side or enjoy a morally ambiguous protagonist, you’ll love the latest in the Scandinavian crime catalog, this one featuring Leona—a detective and a sociopath with a knack for solving crimes. When a naked, blood-covered little girl robs a bank, Leona is thrown into the case of her life and her personal life slides into darker shades of grey. I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to more! - Flannery